September 11: Professional men’s clubs in the United Soccer League (USL) have approved a new revenue-sharing model, the latest in a series of significant changes reshaping the league.
It is under chairman and chief executive Paul McDonough, backed by BellTower Partners, led by former Carlyle Group chief Kewsong Lee, whose investment has helped sharpen USL’s vision. The model gives clubs a defined way to share in the domestic league’s revenue growth, while establishing a wider set of commitments between the league and clubs.
“We have a great opportunity to grow soccer in this country, and today we have a lot more clarity about the role the USL can play in doing that,” McDonough said, noting a vote that “shows the alignment we have where we’re going.”
Louisville City President John Neace, a longtime figure in the league, welcomed the partnership. “A rising tide lifts all boats, and I think that will strengthen the USL as a whole,” he said.
The model follows last week’s ratification of a new collective agreement covering the Championship and the new top tier, USL Premier, launched in 2028. Meritocracy is at the heart of the plan, with Premier bringing promotion and relegation in 2028 and completing a connected three-division system, Premier above the Championship above League One.
Over time, the vision is for the Premiership and Championship to operate as single-table domestic leagues of around 20 clubs each, with League One growing regionally.
Knoxville’s Drew McKenna said, “This revenue sharing model gives the league and our clubs a stronger foundation to continue investing in these communities and building for the future.”
Contact the writer of this story at nick.webster@insideworldfootball.com
